Getting to know Showjumper Bex Mason

 

Getting to know you…

 

We asked showjumper Bex Mason to share a favourite flatwork exercise, and also asked her ten burning questions, from advice to training goals. 

 

 

A favourite flatwork exercise – honing balance

Recovery on landing from a fence is usually to do with rider balance and proprioception. 

I do non-mounted balancing exercises daily. A simple one is to balance in your jumping position on a showjumping pole (placed on a hard surface) – try to use your core to maintain perfect balance. Once you’re adept at this, you can then throw a ball from that position, to make it more difficult!

 

Ten burning questions

 

1.     What’s your most memorable horse and why?

 

Miserden Imprezza - she is nothing I would’ve chosen in a horse, but she chose me, and we won over 180 classes together. Pretzel is a broodmare now and is as quirky as they come; she’s quick and careful as a cat, so hopefully will pass her brave, gutsy traits onto her offspring. She’s the ultimate ‘diesel horse’ and will stay with me now for all her days!

 

2.     What’s your best piece of advice?

 

You can do and be whatever and whoever you want - you just have to want it enough!

 

3.     Who’s the person you look up to today in equestrianism, and why?

 

Liz Launder (osteopath and senior lecturer on Equine Science at the UK’s Hartpury College). She specialises in equine reproduction and equine therapy, and her knowledge goes so deep. Liz’s perspective on every aspect of the horse and rider is what constitutes the small differences which help us to be better in every day. She is a wizard!

 

4.     What’s your ultimate riding or training goal?

 

To jump a world ranking class in the next year.

 

5.     Can you share your biggest regret?

 

This would definitely be not checking my own tack at the talent seekers final! I had been drawn last to go (a prime spot) riding Vancurtis – she’d been on flying form, and I was confident this was her class of the year. I cantered to the first fence, and realised she couldn't get her head up; her martingale had been swapped when the tack was taken apart to clean. It was far too short. She was fighting for her head and eventually she ground to a halt at fence six. (Bearing in mind I started Kimmy as a three year old and she had never stopped, not even once in her whole career!) I knew what was wrong, so just retired. I was very grateful that I knew why, and certainly learnt my lesson about checking my tack. it was just a little frustrating that I couldn't have learnt that lesson in a less prestigious class!

 

6.     What would you tell your younger/teenage self?

 

Keep going, enjoy the interactions with people as well as all the small wins; and live in each moment.

7.     What’s the horse you would like to have ridden, or to ride?

 

Of course I’d have to say Stroller; Marion Coakes’ amazing little gelding, and the only pony to compete at the Olympics in show jumping. He competed in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico; he was the ultimate little horse with a big heart.  I think he would suit me, being only 14.2hh.

 

8.     Which three dinner party guests would you choose?

 

Showjumpers Edwina Tops-Alexandra and Rowan Willis (both top class riders who come across so positively in the sport). And David Attenborough; who wouldn’t want him at the dinner table?

 

9.     What would you like to see implemented in your discipline?

 

Prize-givings— it’s so sad now that at the smaller local shows, the owners don’t get to see their horses go in the ring to collect their prize. Obviously not currently because of Covid, but even before the pandemic, this had stopped. The owners put so much into the horses, and this was always a little piece of joy that they got back.

 

10.  What will you be doing in 20 years’ time?

 

I will be riding Vancurtis’ babies, and coaching, as well as spending time between sunnier climates and the UK.

 

All about Bex Mason

Bex has worked for many years breaking in horses and competing at an international level and specialises in producing competition horses. “I find myself expressing love for my Derrieres daily,” Bex says of the underwear range. “I openly discuss the results and versatility of the products, whether it’s to customers at my yard, or fellow competitors at shows; I don’t even realise I’m doing it - these pants change riders’ lives!”

Visit her website - www.bexmasonshowjumping.co.uk

Shop the Derriere Equestrian range today 
www.derriereequestrian.com

Lost in France

 

Lost in France – Derriere Equestrian ambassador Amanda Renouard has had a busy equestrian year, despite lockdown

Breeder and dressage enthusiast Amanda Renouard is based in France at the Haras du Ritz stud in Deux-Sevres, close to Parthenay in the beautiful Nouvelle Aquitaine region. Amanda produces elite sport horses for an international client-base. We asked her to share her news and views from 2020.

“Haras du Ritz is a small, private stud; we breed dressage horses, but a few have gone on to be eventers or show jumpers,” Amanda explains. “2020 has been a different year, hasn’t it! For us, the breed season this year was complicated, as due to the COVID-9 lockdown limitations, our vet was not allowed to perform echographs (ultrasound scans), and was only allowed to visit us for emergencies,” Amanda explains. “So our breed season started late.”

A team effort

Amanda, also a PR consultant to elite riders, journalist and former High Performance Director for Dressage/Para Dressage Ireland, had four mares in foal this spring, so her son Hugo was enlisted to help with all of the late night checks. “It was handy Hugo wasn’t at school, as he was present for the foalings with me, and was able to sleep during the day,” Amanda remembers.

“In addition to looking after the mares and their new arrivals, I had two horses to ride and two to back over the spring and summer. I didn’t get on the three year olds until  'confinement', however!” she continues. “The two six year olds had an easy spring, and we actually decided at that time that one of them did not love going round in circles, so we have since sent her off show jumping. The other six year old, Jura du Ritz, who is by Voice, competed in two young horse competitions, and had qualifying scores for national championships in Fontainebleau, but I opted to save her for another year, as she is still 'green',” Amanda explains.

Selling horses in a digital age

“Selling the foals in lockdown was interesting!” she continues. “I did lots of videos and Whatsapp live videos to prospective customers. I do still have two for sale, but am happy if they stay and aren’t sold, as both are really nice.” 

Many people have emerged from the earlier, full lockdown with a new perspective on life, and Amanda is no exception. “Not being allowed to hack out made me realise how important it is for the horses and ourselves!” she tells us. “And not being able to get a saddle fitter out made me realise how quickly the horses change shape. It’s also been good to reflect that I may think I have a horse good enough to go all the way; but they don't have those ambitions, and are quite happy eating grass! Life for us didn’t really change much, except we were home-schooling Hugo, and my husband Stephen stopped travelling for work. It was certainly a challenging time, and it is good to have some normality back again,” Amanda adds. (Although France does currently have a raft of curfews in place, as well as business closures and banned gatherings).

Working smarter

One of Amanda’s life mottos is ‘Work smarter not harder'’, and she explains that it is important to her to do professionally what you love in life. “For me, that would be writing about the things I respect and admire. I also work with the people I want to be around.

I work long, crazy hours, but it is never hard work; if it is hard, or I don’t like doing it, I question what am I doing wrong, or how I can improve,” she wisely explains. “Public relations is about making it happen for other people; working as a PR agent for some of the best equestrian athletes is about making their lives easier.  Breeding horses professionally and producing horses on a small scale gives me an insight into how the elite athlete ticks.  I always try to utilise that information to keep sponsors and media happy,” she adds. 

Finally, we asked Amanda what her favourite Derriere Equestrian item is, and why; but it proved to be a difficult question, due to the wide range of hard-working items. “That is such a hard question!” she ponders. “I love that you put on all the Derriere products, and just forget about them, and get on and do your job.  The underwear is amazing, the Cannes competition breeches are a must, so comfy, and the Treviso are hard wearing and always look smart. I am not sure I can choose a favourite!”

You can shop the Derriere Equestrian range at www.derriereequestrian.com

We wish Amanda and her team well with the lovely group of youngsters and equine future stars that are coming up through the ranks at Haras du Ritz.

 

The Male Equestrian Rider

Lumber flexion and lowering the pubic bone – and how padded riding pants can help!

It’s important when considering the ability to absorb the horse’s movement that we think about anatomy. To celebrate the fantastically popular Derriere Equestrian Male Performance Padded Shorty, let’s look a little at why a male rider would want extra comfort down below.

We’re all taught to follow the movement of the horse, but in order to execute this, one needs a mobile lower back, being able to both extend and flex the lumbar region without restriction. (And flexing can be more difficult for male riders).

Benefits to the male anatomy

The male’s hip sockets are always further in front of the spine than his female counterparts’, meaning the male rider is usually more able to ‘tuck’ the tailbone (this extends the lumbar area). In men, the sacrum, which connects the lumbar vertebrae to the pelvis and legs, is longer and narrower than in women. The male pelvis is taller, with a higher ‘iliac crest’ (this is the arched bone at the top of the pelvis – the two crests would look a little like angel wings if you were to draw them, or observe an anatomy drawing, and are attached to the oblique muscles. These are the outermost abdominal muscles that keep our middle section elevated, and our core ‘switched on’ for sitting trot.)

There are some benefits to the male anatomy for riding - the hip sockets face further forward than in women (and are closer together) – so the thigh can more easily rest against the saddle. It’s also easier for men to lower the tailbone, as we have discussed. For novice riders, it is intuitive to not mobilise the pelvis too much – it’s the backwards and forwards tipping motion, as opposed to a more upright motion, that absorbs the movement, and avoids that terrible ‘banging’ sensation on sensitive areas that novice riders may experience. However, this motion takes time to achieve, and initially it’s common to ‘brace’. 

 

 

The Derriere Equestrian Performance Bonded Padded Shorty can help elevate the discomfort associated with 'bracing' making for a more enjoyable and comfortable ride. 

More difficult to lower the pubic bone

If a seated male rider allows gravity to act on the pelvis, his pelvis will rock backward, so his pubic bone rises – if a male rider completely relaxes in the saddle, e.g. at halt, this is commonly what happens. This does mean conversely that it’s harder for male riders to lower the pubic bone.

Because the male rider has the benefit of automatically rocking the pelvis backward, the supporting muscles will likely not be so ‘used to’ supporting the pelvis when the pubic bone is lowered, e.g. in an anterior pelvic tilt. (Plus, men would typically avoid this tipping position anyway, to maintain comfort).

(Remember, we need to flex the lumbar region effectively without restriction in order to be truly mobile and flexible – this helps improve communication with the horse. As skillsets advance, we can be subtle with our movements, and also our aids.)

Stilted motion

This issue (that the supporting muscles may not be ‘used to’ supporting the pelvis when the back is flexed) does mean that a sudden imbalance can tip the rider forward uncomfortably. (If in this position, the supporting back muscles are weaker, there’s also the risk of strain, e.g. if the horse spooks). Because men may also actively avoid the tipping forward motion to avoid discomfort, the full range of movement of the pelvis can become stilted – this is where padded underwear can help.

The Derriere Equestrian Performance Padded Shorty (DEPPP) is designed to protect the perineal area (the bit between the pubic arch and the tail bone), from discomfort, and also prevent rubbing, due to innovative stitched seams. Our male customers tell us that having extra padding improves their intuitive riding, as they may not ‘brace’ to protect themselves. Many male riders around the globe rely on Derriere Equestrian underwear, including top international dressage rider Carl Hester MBE, who was quoted saying "Every rider should be wearing them" 

Derriere Equestrian are world leaders in horse riding underwear and experts in their field. The range of Derriere Equestrian undergarments have been scientifically developed and researched in the UK and abroad with advanced technology and only the best fabrics used, customers can be confident they are receiving high end luxury performance wear. Shop the Derriere range at www.derriereequestrian.com 

To improve one’s pelvic mobility and range of motion (and strengthen the supporting muscles in the anterior tilt stage), there are plenty of standing exercises we can do such as switching between posterior and anterior pelvis tilts. YouTube has many examples, like this one.

Dr. Deb Bennett speaks eloquently about male and female anatomical rider differences in her paper ‘Who’s Built Best To Ride’, for anyone who is interested in reading further.

The Perfect Pelvic Tilt

 

Derriere Equestrian ambassador and UKCC Level 2 Dressage coach, Erin Orford, explains how achieving the perfect pelvic tilt can improve rider effectiveness.

Perfecting your position

We asked Erin to share some wisdom on the subject of getting the correct pelvic position when you’re schooling: “When I am working with my flatwork clients, one of the key issues that does crop up is how we use our pelvis, and how this translates to effectively sitting to a trot,” Erin explains. “Most elite dressage riders have very 'mobile' and intuitive seats; for example, when riding effectively, most of the time you will have a very relaxed and mobile spine, quite neutrally positioned at the base.”

“The significance of the neutral position is that it allows movement of the pelvis so that you don't block the horse in their body, whilst being able to maintain the strength through your core,” Erin explains. “Within this, you can then adjust your weight accordingly, in order to encourage the horse to come back a little or move forward.”

Practicing with a chair

Erin says that sitting on the edge of a chair with your feet flat on the floor can help you to establish this. “If you’re tilting forwards, your back will arch more, and if you're tilting back, you'll feel like you're slouching a bit,” she adds. “Both tilting forwards and tilting backwards for too long will lead to your back aching. But in the correct position, you should feel it more in your stomach muscles. Playing with the realms of this movement whilst looking in the mirror can help you to see where the 'correct' position is, and learn to associate how it looks with the feeling of it, to help you to translate that onto a moving horse. The correct position means you can be effective whilst being comfortable,” Erin explains.

Straightness and being equal

“For me as a rider and trainer, a good seat is often about straightness and being equal. Your body should match the line of your horse, whether you’re on a straight line, a circle or a movement like a half pass; your body will influence how the horse uses theirs,” Erin adds. “A lot of the time, daily activities in our lives can teach us to be slightly crooked or one sided (mucking out, driving etc). Our muscle memory will make us think we are sitting straight, but often we aren’t; so using mirrors, watching videos back of our riding, and getting immediate feedback from the ground can help us to teach our brain what ‘straight’ really is!”

“To be able to effectively sit to a trot, you need a strong core, but also suppleness in your lower back and pelvis; so it can be a difficult combination to achieve! I try to keep a neutral position, as this allows the most movement,” Erin tells us. “I can then take my weight forward or back within this, to encourage the horse to go more forwards, or come back a little. If the horse is using it’s back correctly and pushing nicely from behind, they are always easier to sit to - so the better you can achieve this, the easier you’re making it for yourself.”

Getting the horse on your seat

Erin says that the horse will also want to move under your weight. “Think how difficult it is to carry a bag of feed that moves around, compared to something more stable,” she suggests. “So, when you’re walking your horse on a long rein, either at the start of the session, or at the end if it’s safer, try adjusting your weight to move the horse around the arena, rather than using your leg or the rein. You often see riders putting their weight in the direction they think the horse will go (i.e. to the inside, if they think the horse will fall in,) rather than using their weight on the line they actually want the horse to take, which encourages them to ‘step under’ it. They should stay in the same rhythm and balance when you give the rein - that’s when you know they’re really ‘on your seat!’” Erin concludes.

For ultimate comfort in the saddle, so you’re not thinking about discomfort when trying to hone your sitting trot, try the Derriere Equestrian Performance Padded Panty, which is designed to eradicate seamlines visible through breeches and ensure no rubbing, chaffing or abrasions are created. Incorporating the Derriere Equestrian Padded Support System (DEPSS), the garments protect the perineal area from friction and discomfort.

Erin Orford rides for Britain in Para-dressage, and has also competed up to Advanced Medium at Regional level. Erin was a Gold and Bronze medallist at the 2017 FEI European Championships. as well as a silver medallist the following year at the World Equestrian Games, both with Dior. She now has her sights set on the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics and beyond.

 

 

 

Catching up with Erin Orford

 

Derriere Equestrian ambassador and UKCC Level 2 Dressage coach, Erin Orford, is one of Britain’s most determined and inspirational dressage riders. Here, she shares her experiences of 2020:

“It’s been such a strange year for so many of us!” Erin explains, with a nod to the COVID pandemic and its effects on equestrian enthusiasts. “An Olympic Games has never been postponed before, but it is right that the decision was made for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics to happen in the summer of 2021 instead. It was arguably the only decision that could have been made, as health always comes first; but if you had told me in February that that's what would happen, I’d never have believed it. It just reminds you that nothing is guaranteed, and emphasises how important it is to enjoy what you are doing on a day to day basis, because the goal-posts can be moved without any warning!” she continues.

Erin started 2020 with every week planned out until the end of the year; so to go from that feeling of organisation to having nothing in the diary during lockdown was definitely a bizarre feeling for her. “Particularly as summer is usually the busiest period, as we build up to selection for whatever championship is happening,” Erin muses. “For myself and the team at home, after a successful start to the season, it did feel galling that our year was effectively cancelled. However, in the great scheme of things, we had a lot to be grateful for, so we just had to adapt, adjust and make the best of the situation, like everyone!”

Appreciating the simpler things

Erin says she has been able to work remotely from home in her day job, but that with the sudden reduction of riding opportunities in the earlier months of 2020, and the absence of a swimming pool at that time, she had to work hard to maintain her fitness levels! “The situation with COVID-19 has however provided me with the opportunity to step back, appreciate the smaller things, and enjoy being ‘present’,” she continues.

“I think lockdown forced us to all slow down, to take everything day by day, and to appreciate the simpler things that we often take for granted. I personally enjoyed having the time to work on the basics with my horses, and enjoy riding them without the pressure of having things perfect, in time for competitions,” Erin adds.

“It has been nice to get back in the arena, and back doing some teaching; we’ve had our Para Championships at Solihull, and the recent Keysoe International, so it’s given us the chance to get some arena time before the winter. I am now looking forward to continuing my training with an eye on Tokyo 2021, continuing to help my lovely clients with their riding, and enjoying my horses over winter,” Erin states.

For ultimate comfort in the saddle, so you’re not thinking about discomfort when trying to hone your sitting trot, try the Derriere Equestrian Performance Padded Panty, which is designed to eradicate seamlines visible through breeches and ensure no rubbing, chaffing or abrasions are created. Incorporating the Derriere Equestrian Padded Support System (DEPSS), the garments protect the perineal area from friction and discomfort. Shop the Derriere Equestrian collection today. 

Erin Orford rides for Britain in Para-dressage, and has also competed up to Advanced Medium at Regional level. Erin was a Gold and Bronze medallist at the 2017 FEI European Championships. as well as a silver medallist the following year at the World Equestrian Games, both with Dior. She now has her sights set on the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics and beyond.

To find out more about Erin and her team visit her website, Erin Orford Dressage. 

 

An introduction to endurance, by leading rider Katie Bedwin

 

Endurance riding is my passion, and the competitive events themselves are the culmination of a great deal of time spent training and developing relationships with my horses. The discipline is essentially long-distance riding, at a set speed – for me, it’s all about enjoying the experience and the connection with the horse I’m riding, and enjoying the results of all of our training. Finishing is the real prize, although accolades like being the current Reserve Young Rider National Champion are always lovely! Distances of the competitions vary, and can include anything from 20 miles to 100 miles-plus. So there’s something for everyone, as well as pleasure rides, if you want to try the concept out in a more relaxed environment.

The idea is to complete the full distance as quickly as you can, passing the mandatory vet checks, and crossing the line with the horse in full health. It’s a fine balancing act, both on the day, and in your preceding training! Endurance riding is fun though, allows you to experience beautiful countryside – a recent UK event was the Tilford ride in Farnham, Surrey, which takes you through heathland, pine forest, along some challenging stony paths, and up to the glorious Devils Punchbowl, beneath the San Gabriel Mountains.

 

The requirements

So, what do you need to contest endurance? Your horse ideally needs to be a good all-rounder. Correct limb formation to avoid strains, a well-muscled back and deep chest for physical resilience, strong quarters, well-proportioned hooves, a nice temperament and a rhythmical gait are all desirable traits.

Training wise, your horse needs to be fit for the duration of ride – even a shorter ride of 20 miles can take around three hours. I advocate cross training, e.g. doing multi-discipline work with my horses – they do cross country schooling, jumping and polework, as well as lots of flatwork to develop suppleness and balance. I have always incorporated a wide variety of activities into my training programmes, as I believe it can significantly improve performance; partly as it works different muscle groups and skillsets, and decreases the risk of repetitive strain, but also as this variety is fun, and improves a horse’s attitude to work.

In terms of the rider, you do of course need the same relative level of fitness as your horse – e.g. most averagely fit riders could manage a 20k ride, however as you start tackling the more challenging rides, you do need to develop your own stamina and fitness, as well as your core strength and mobility.

Comfort is key

As an endurance rider, comfort in the saddle is key – my first post-lockdown endurance competition was an 80km ride in the 34 degree heat! – so clothing wise, I do like to have suitable underwear, beneath breathable, comfy riding wear. The Derriere Padded Panties are great, as you can just forget about your clothing and focus on the ride, rather than worrying about chaffing or discomfort. Equally a good bra like the brand’s Sportief is advisable, as a good sports bra aids shoulder position when riding. It allows you to relax and ‘free up’ the area, rather than ‘hunching’ subconsciously to avoid breast ‘bounce’, which can be tiring over long distances. The Derriere Equestrian Sportief sports bra is designed to shape and support a woman's breasts, without the use of under-wires, so is great addition to your riding wardrobe, whatever your riding discipline.

 

 

Nurse Katie Bedwin is a leading British endurance rider, with six 2019 national titles to her name. She was ranked as the second-placed GB rider in the FEI U21 rankings, and was Reserve Young Rider National Champion last year with Aberllwyd Ibn Phariz, at the 120km 2 star. Katie’s plans for the remainder of 2020 and 2021, when she will compete as a senior rider, are to continue contesting graded endurance rides at her level, and train for and compete at a 160km three star with Phariz. Visit - https://www.facebook.com/katiebedwinendurance

According to the governing body Endurance GB, the organisation continues to move towards resumption of endurance riding in England and Wales, in line with guidance issued by the Government and British Equestrian, and is now running social rides and Graded Endurance Rides. Visit - https://egb.myclubhouse.co.uk/

Lucy Cartwright & Daniel Bremner - A holistic outlook

Along with husband Daniel Bremner, dressage rider and trainer Lucy Cartwright has not been resting on her laurels recently, placing top ten in the FEI PSG at Hunters Equestrian with Holme Grove Bernini. She’s often in the ribbons with a string of rides, including Frederico and Grandio. Here, she shares some tips for improving feel when training, by focussing on one’s hips and harmonic movement with the horse.

Daniel and I are very focussed on holistic training and riding, from the way in which we manage our horses and the breakdown of exercise we do with them, to the type of schooling we undertake. We know from our own riding and the training we undertake with elite riders, as well as our work with clients, that the rider’s hips are key in flatwork – strong, mobile hips can really help create stability and strength in our lower body. This region of the body is very important for dressage riders of course, but anyone focussing on flatwork training, even with a view to competing in other disciplines, will find that effective hips help us increase our flexibility, and gain control of our seat. Those imperceptible cues given to the horse in the more advanced movements may be invisible to spectators, but are being translated loud and clear to the horse through the rider’s hips and seat.

The hips shouldn’t be overlooked or considered to just affect the lower parts of our bodies, e.g. how we hold our thighs, and how mobile our lower joints are – they also influence the mobility of the pelvis (and how well we can sit to a trot!), as well as our upper back and torso, especially in terms of and the quietness of our shoulders and hands.

Feel isn’t just about rein contact!

As the horse’s body moves, our hips rise and rotate with its motion, our legs absorbing the movement as the pelvic area softens and also absorbs the movement. Ideally, as the horse's hip raises, our same hip also raises, while the upper body adjusts. I have some lovely youngsters coming up through the levels, and I find that my goal for a good sitting trot with them is to rotate the pelvis downwards, so one extends the lumbar spine and really ‘goes with the movement’. The phrase that we often use with our clients, ‘feel’, really does radiate from the hips and the seat, as this tells us so much about how the horse is moving, and about their natural propensity to move their back and utilise their natural paces. Feel isn’t just about rein contact!

So, what can fixed or stiff rider hips lead to? Apart from making the overall picture more rigid and less harmonious, it can directly affect things like correct canter strike-offs, as well as lateral ‘drifting’, e.g. on a circle. Again, with youngsters it’s important to let them use their bodies effectively and not to restrict them. I find that core strength, e.g. in the rider’s stomach and lower back, directly affects hip mobility, in that a strong core allows the hips to relax and do their job, rather than tightening to keep balance. Having flexible hip flexor muscles is of course key – unfortunately, long hours spent sitting in cars and at desks can cause hip flexor muscles to shorten and tighten, which is why I find that many clients have issues in this area. 

 

Suitable exercises

Yoga, pilates and pre-and-post-ride stretching are all beneficial for improving hip flexibility.

Jennifer Miller’s article for the United States Equestrian federation, ‘Loosen up’, has some excellent advice and exercise tips, and quotes Jennifer Kotylo, Pilates and Equilates instructor, who says that most people have the innate ability to have good range of motion, but they don’t use it day to day. “Move it or lose it! If the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia, or connective-tissue fibres, surrounding the hip area don’t get used, they ‘forget’ how to work properly,” she advises.

In addition to yoga, pilates and pre-and-post-ride stretching, any regular exercise like walking, swimming and cycling will help our riding fitness. Work with an instructor to focus on any areas of tension, and remember to equip yourself with some comfy, supportive riding underwear - the Derriere Equestrian range, featuring the DE Performance Padded Shorty and the Performance Seamless Shorty, is designed for both men and women. Personally, I forget I am wearing them, meaning I can pay attention to how my horse is reacting to me, without the distractions of discomfort.

 

Lucy Cartwright, formerly based with Carl Hester and a leading trainer within her own right along with husband Daniel Bremner, found success at Junior and Young Rider levels (twice winning the Under 25’s National Championship). She is also a former Champion at the Badminton Young Horse Finals where she rode Valegro, and a former Summer British Dressage National Champion.

With husband Daniel, Lucy offers a range of dressage services at their base DL Dressage, including training livery, competition livery, sales preparation, training of both horse and rider and clinics throughout the British Isles. 

 

Shop the Derriere Equestrian Riding Underwear Range here www.derriereequestrian.com

Antoine Nowakowski – brief encounter

Antoine Nowakowski – brief encounter

Leading dressage rider and trainer, Frenchman Antoine Nowakowski, shares with us his lockdown experience, which includes some very brave training practices!

A less structured approach

Like many peers, Antoine found his equestrian activities curtailed during the COVID-19 lockdown period, with public gatherings in his home-country of Belgium shutdown mid-March, and non-essential international travel banned later that month. The livery and training yard that Antoine runs with his partner Yanna Denis, Ecuries du Moulin, was forced to adapt to the new guidelines, and training of the horses became a lot more relaxed and less structured.

“It’s true that management of the horses during the lockdown was very different than normal,” Antoine explains. “As all the competitions were cancelled, Yanna and I wondered whether we should give horses a break, or keep them fit in case of a re-start of competitions.”

Trying out new things

With Governments advising against riding outside of one’s property, many riders were forced to focus on arena-based training, or riding within the curtails of their facility. But with no set idea of how long the restrictions would last, this indeterminable time could have proved unstimulating for horses used to the thrill of top level competition. “We didn’t want the dressage horses to be too bored with the constant training of exercises in the manege - but giving them a rest was also a bit challenging,” Antoine remembers. “If we did rest the horses, and then if dressage competitions restarted sooner than expected, we wouldn’t have been prepared for the ‘D Day’,” he continues, “ so we decided to try a few new things.”

Bridleless riding

Antoine’s top rider Quatergirl was subsequently enlisted into a new regime of bridleless riding! Pioneered by natural horsemanship trainers, bridleless riding is said to be one of the clearest illustrations of the connection between a horse and rider. “It’s a beautiful example of horsemanship. It employs the use of relief and release, and is a true test of not only your relationship, bit also your seat and body aids, and accuracy. It takes some practice!” Antoine explains. “Not having the bridle, just using a neckstrap for balance and an element of control, really allows the horse the freedom to go forward; it shows you that you can control your horse’s direction using your seat, bodyweight and leg aids.”

Not content with trying out this new training method, Antoine also tried his hand at jumping (“Very small!”) – and then, feeling very adventurous, and with immense trust in the mare, bridleless jumping! “It was really fun!”

This ingenious way of keeping training varied has meant that the seven year old Quatergirl kept her fitness and muscle-tone without her usual training regime, and was also kept mentally stimulated. “The mare was perfectly fit and happy when competitions restarted,” Antoine says.

A PB for Quatergirl

When restrictions eased, the Ecuries du Moulin team started planning their training and competing schedule, welcoming 5* dressage judge Isabelle Judet for a clinic, and venturing out to shows again. With a couple of events under his belt once lockdown was relaxed, and very pleasing mid-70s percentage scores, the team’s hard work was clearly paying off. Then Antoine and Quatergirl gained a personal best of 78.7 % in the seven year class at Saint-Trond National, winning the class in style.

The bridleless training has certainly been working well for this exciting pairing - Antoine’s is now aiming for the selection for the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses in December, in Germany, and we wish him all the best.

Comfort and performance

Antoine is a big fan of Derriere riding underwear. “Remember that when the rider is comfortable within the saddle, they can move more easily with the horse’s gait. Comfortable underwear and breeches are a must and the Derriere Equestrian range is designed for both men and women; it’s hard to find great riding underwear for men, but I find these products excel at their job, offering exceptional comfort and performance,” he concludes.

 

Antoine and Yanna advise that you should only try bridleless riding only on a horse you know very well, have adequate control over, that’s highly trained to accept leg and seat aids. “Ride in a manege, and start carefully in walk, with a helper to ensure your safety,” Antoine suggests.

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“This what I have always dreamed of…” Showjumper and Derriere Equestrian ambassador Bex Mason shares hew news and views.

 BRIEF ENCOUNTER

 “This what I have always dreamed of…”

 Showjumper and Derriere Equestrian ambassador Bex Mason shares hew news and views.

Bex Mason has worked for many years breaking in horses and competing at an international level with elite riders such as Tina and Graham Fletcher, and Ludo Philleaperts. Bex specialises in producing competition horses, and has a strong team of up-and-coming, world class equine competitors. She runs popular showjumping clinics in Gloucestershire, and is the current Myloplast Foxhunter Masters National Champion with her ride Vancurtis, or Kimmy.

Bex Mason is the epitome of the hard-working showjumper, regularly taking multiples of horses to shows up and down the country, and heading to sunnier climes in Europe early spring. A busy schedule of producing and competing horses, peppered with occasional showjumping clinics when time allowed, was the norm for Bex until the end of 2019.

Time to reflect

A routine ankle operation in December came at the right time for Bex, at a quieter time of year, but it was not a time for festivities, as David Fudge, owner and breeder of horses including Bex’s top ride, Kimmy, very sadly passed away just after Christmas. 2019 had seen a very successful year for Bex and David, with wins on a number of his horses under Bex’s care at events including HOYS and Hickstead, and the prestigious Foxhunter Masters National Championship. His passing was a terrible blow to Bex. A freak fall in February 2020 saw the showjumper tear both ankle ligaments, so when lockdown came around, in some ways, she must have been ready to pause and take time to reflect, and slow down her busy schedule.

The resulting months in lockdown have been revelatory for Bex, allowing her to train at home, invest time in her coaching business, and devote time to self care and development.

She has subsequently spent the spring and summer working on the horses’ training, notably with her top ride, Kimmy, now part-owned by Bex, since David Fudge’s family gifted a half share in the horse to her.

 “I had some sad times with bereavement and other personal issues over Christmas, so in some ways, the recent, slower pace of life has been a blessing,” Bex says. “Lockdown has been crazy – we’d never have believed that such a situation would happen – but it’s allowed me to re-focus on my coaching,” says Bex, a British Showjumping accredited coach.

Incremental improvements

“After my fall, I ended up doing lots of work without stirrups, focussing on my core – I am now so much stronger! I did lots of schooling and also safe hacking without stirrups,” she explains. As part of her rider performance programme with Hartpury College, Bex has been working with senior equine science lecturer and osteopath, Liz Launder. “I regularly do exercises from the rider performance programme, which help give me incremental riding improvements; I work on my core, incorporating yoga stretches and working on my proprioception and flexibility,” Bex continues. “It’s all rider-focussed, so you perform the correct riding exercises out of the saddle; I have set routines that also help my ankle strength. Rider fitness and balance can be the decider between being placed or not – for example, if I land too much to the right with my bodyweight after a jump, and I need to turn left, that’s half a second gone. The programme has helped me immensely,” she says.

Appreciating the small things in life

Bex has also been working on her own mental health of late. “Every morning I wake up especially a little earlier, to meditate, and do some affirmations and journaling. I like to appreciate the little things in life – it gives me a really good start to the day,” she explains.

Bex’s horses have not been resting on their laurels either, during lockdown – normally the youngsters would be contesting age classes, but Bex says as they still have lots of growing to do, the lockdown period has allowed them valuable growing time. “Longevity is everything – there’s no rush for them,” Bex states.

 Kimmy will now be targeted at grand prix and international stairways classes, as well as the county circuit, and the Hickstead All England Jumping Championships at 1.40m. “There will also be some local shows to contest all year round to keep the horses ticking over, and then we will head to Spain or Portugal in February,” Bex explains. In fact, the rider is off imminently to a show at Rectory Farm with all seven horses in her string, including the nine year old Pure Pleasure, who’s competing at 1.30m, and the five year olds Korenosa and Feins Cornet. No rest for the wicked!

Taking a step back

Aside from the rewarding riding, Bex has seen her coaching business take off in 2020. “It’s given me a whole new perspective in terms of my business. “There’s a lot of ‘fluff’ in our usual lives, so it has been good to take a step a step back and see everything more clearly. It’s helped me see what’s important, and the balance I have now what I have always dreamed of; good horses, good people, living my dream,” she explains. “With lockdown, some horses got sent home to their owners, so I had my four that I own, or part own, and more time on my hands. I got together with my friend Rachel, who also grooms for me, and we started the clinics – I am so enjoying the coaching,” Bex says. “This year has reignited my passion for training, and I feel like I have a really good balance of riding and coaching now,” Bex concludes.

Ultimate comfort

For ultimate comfort in the saddle, so you’re not thinking about discomfort when trying to hone your sitting trot, try the Derriere Equestrian DE SPORT Seamless Shorty, in male and female designs, designed to eradicate seamlines visible through breeches, and ensure no rubbing, chaffing or abrasions. The new, integrated waistband further ensures no restriction or discomfort for the wearer. Visit http://www.derriereequestrian.com.

“I find myself expressing love for my Derrieres daily,” Bex says of the underwear range. “I openly discuss the results and versatility of the products, whether it’s to customers at my yard, or fellow competitors at shows; I don’t even realise I’m doing it - these pants change riders’ lives!”

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